RECONCILIATION ECOLOGYFor much of modern scientific practice, it has been the thought that natural spaces should be restored to what they might have been before any human involvement came into play. Recently, however, it has been realized that it is more consistently successful and prudent to nature and humans to reconcile the ecological habitat with the human surroundings of the area. (A great resource is Win-Win Ecology by Michael Rosenzeig.)Because of this, it may not be possible to restore the springs that once flowed freely at Drumheller, which dramatically affects the life that resides there. Once surrounded by vernal (seasonal) pools, the area is reduced to two pools that do not necessarily fill yearly. This will affect the possibility of certain invertebrates and amphibians to thrive there. In addition, the park has been reduced to a single, small spring that flows (eastern side) from the part of the data that will be collected will involve observations about some of the smaller life forms present in the park.GOALS OF COLLABORATION FOR RECONCILIATION ECOLOGY: DRUMHELLER SPRINGS1. Removal of Invasive Species: These are plants that would either first have an adverse effect on native species and, or second would reproduce at rates that would be detrimental to the park. A third type might be a noxious type of aquatic plant. Removal of invasive species is an ongoing, bi-yearly collaboration between the City of Spokane Parks, UCUT (Upper Columbia United Tribes) and the Nature Conservancy, along with tribal members.2. Clean up. Clean up of trash should be something that all visitors and citizens take part in when visiting the park. (Ongoing)3. Special Projects: There are projects such as removal of graffiti, interest in writing grants for interpretive signage, seeking protection of heritage plants, removal of "cement" pool on the eastern side of park, documentation of current lifeforms, along with other special projects benefiting the ecology and wildlife of Drumheller Springs._______________________________________________________________________________________________________

GOALS FOR MASTER'S ZOOLOGY PROJECT: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI AT OHIO IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WOODLAND PARK ZOO STUDENT: Carole Parks MS1. Multi-year observations and documentation of yearly filling the three vernal pools, (see map and notes), initially by way of photos and eventually by way of GPS or GIS mapping.2. Observation and documentation of Invertabrates occupying vernal pools, assisted by IEL students. (Spring 2013)3. Multi-year documentation of amphibian monitoring of vernal pools to include audio recordings, photos of egg masses and/or video/photos of amphibians if present in the park. (Supervised by Wa Fish and Wildlife)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________